Best Headlights to Use?

Question,

What would be considered the best headlight to use, incorporating sidelight. Right hand drive for UK.

Regards, Alex /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 

David Morton

Lifetime Supporter
Valeo UK supplied my headlights (renault)and fog/driving lights (ford -circular type) The renault light did not have a side light insert but a friend in High Wycombe bought the same and he drilled them to accept the same. I went a different route with (bright) LED side lights which I have been assured are sufficient for MOT tests. On my car the 'rubbalite' indicator, LED and the circular driving/fog lights all fit into the lower opening no probs. Valeo do not supply the mounting for the lights but thats easily fabricated.
Dave M
 
David,

I am always interested in lighting that includes LED alternatives....do you have any photos of your setup? If so I would love to see them either on here...or email me at [email protected]

Mike Keller
 

Brian Magee

Supporter
Hi Alex.

A lot of people in the UK, myself included use Vauxhall Viva headlamps. I am surprised how good they are even with the standard bulbs and they come with an integral side light. Try Stafford Vehicle Components Ltd. on 01827 67714.

Brian

Editor, Fortyfication.
 
Thanks Chaps,

Sadly I'm old enough to remember Escorts Mk1's and Viva's. I think I will look at these as possibles.

LED's are nice and seem to be popping up everywhere but I do'nt think the nice man wearing a brown dust coat at the vehicle inspectorate will like them.

Regards, Alex
 

David Morton

Lifetime Supporter
Alex,
I already checked before I fitted them and they are accepteable. I'm not talking the type sold in the places like Halfords and high street motorfactors as glitzy addons. These were from RS components and were approx £45 the pair. Have a look at the bible (MOT examiners rule book) on sidelights. The wording is quite vague but they are required to be there. Incidently I think they were fitted on the Audi R8 in 2001 at Le Mans though they probably had another function rather than side lights.
Dave.
 
David,

Ha, almost realtime. Appreciate what you say. I have used superbright LED's in torch like devices for some years and know that they are very efficient - for the right price.

The reason, historically, I understand from a previous life as a plod, that side lights are fitted is that they were intended for use in town. Rather than full headlights which may have dazzled oncoming ped's, drays and hackney carriages. They were intended to warn of presence rather than light the way.

Regards, Alex /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 

Ian Clark

Supporter
Hi Alex, If you still looking for headlights, give CAV a try. We have Cibie lights in the style of the originals. CAV's have recently passed SVA tests for the UK so getting the right beam pattern is no problem. Is there another way to fix the sidelight problem, like a body mounted side lights as per late JWA cars? Drop a line to our UK dealer: [email protected] perhaps he can help. Cheers /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
David,

Could you send me details of the circular driving lights please. If you have any pictures you could send or post I would be most grateful.

Thanks in advance!
 

David Morton

Lifetime Supporter
Julian,
Sorry for delay in replying. I'm not at home until September
and I haven,t brought any pictures either so I cant help you at the moment.
The car is in Harleyford near Marlow and if your coming up the M4 at all let me know and I'll make sure somebody will be there.
Dave
 

David Morton

Lifetime Supporter
JP,
I dont sell headlights or anything else, so I'm mystified unless you previous post was not intended for me. I only mention what I've fitted on my car, and for info I got all my lights direct from Valeo at trade so I guess they were as cheap as anybody else.
regards
Dave M
 
Alex

To prepare my car for the SVA, I used a pair of Fiesta headlights from the scrap yard. They were nearly new, in good condition and complied with the SVA regs for marking etc. They included a sidelight. Of course, they were not the correct shape, but I was short of time prior to the SVA test and these were easily available.

Post SVA, I picked up a couple of new, boxed headlamps from one of the kit car shows. They were advertised as suitable for GT40's, but as I am not at home now, I can't remember the details. They are the correct size, with sidelight and markings, so still comply with the rules. They were a tight fit but look good. I can't guarentee their originality though.

Regards

Dave
 
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